Freshman Steeli Norton, of the MSUM softball team, pitches during practice late last week. Chris Franz / Photo Editor
BY KATELYN WIGMORE
Staff Writer
Fall sports may be in full swing, but one team is already practicing for the spring season. The MSUM softball team has been practicing since August even though their season opener is not until April. With the extra time and training, they are building a strong foundation and bonding as a team.
“(Preseason) is going really good; we are getting to know each other and each of our habits, and how we each play,†said freshman pitcher Steeli Norton. “Since there are seven other freshmen who have never played at this level, it’s nice to get to know the routine before we have to play.â€
MSUM softball has been playing in tournaments this fall. These games do not count on the official regular season record of the team but they give the team a chance to test out new players and get the feel for working as a team.
“We have a few new freshmen that are going to be great assets to our team this year and it’s going to even out some of the holes that we have,†said senior pitcher Mara Litzer.
Norton was given the opportunity to pitch in her first ever collegiate game and hit a double the first time at bat.
After a tough season last year with a 7-39 record and only one senior, Head Coach Kristin Boyes says this season will be different.
“We’re working on little things,†she said. “Trying to go back to the basics and work the mechanics and make sure we have all the little things covered before we move onto the more advanced stuff.â€
“(A goal for the team is) to go to the conference tournament in May,†Litzer said. “We want to come together and play as a team offensively. We have some good hitters this year on our team.â€
The Dragons competed in the St. Cloud tournament this past weekend. They have one more tournament in Duluth on Sept. 25, and a home game against Valley City State on Oct. 3, before they head inside for the winter months.
Wigmore can be reached at
wigmoreka@mnstate.edu